Weight Gain, Duloxetine & Fibromyalgia

[nellie_deany]

Morning my fellow warriors,I have fibromyalgia and because i was struggling with on going pain my GP changed my mental health meds from sertraline to duloxetine. Since being on duloxetine I have gained approx. 2 st and it is making me miserable. Does anyone have any experinece with coming off Duloxetine? I appreciate any advice 😞

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there, weight gain because of some medications is a big problem for some people.

But I would definitely have a word with your GP if you are wanting to come off your meds. No 2 people are the same and no 2 reactions would be the same.

The safest thing would be to talk to a medical proffesional xx

Momo

[Loobielu]

Hi, I've been on Duloxetine for 5 weeks and it's definitely given me the munches so expect weight gain to follow 😏. I'm guessing they haven't helped you? It's so frustrating isn't it 😤

[nellie_deany in reply to Loobielu]

Thanks for your reply Loobielu. Yes very frustrating. I always try to be positive when dealing with fibromyalgia but lately it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. I wish i could go to sleep and wake up how i used to be before all of this. But then there are worse situations to be in i guess x

[Loobielu in reply to nellie_deany]

Hi Nellie, I absolutely agree with all of your message! It would be lovely to wake up not feeling like I've been hit with a bus! Always someone worse off but we matter too. Keep fighting, keep searching, we mustn't give up 🤗 X

[Nellie24 in reply to Loobielu]

Hi, I’ve just taken my first tablet of duloxetine and feel shocking! Have they helped you? I’ve been given them for fibro. Also when do you take the tablet night or day?

Are they worth feeling like this to feel better in the long run.

Lucy x

[Loobielu in reply to Nellie24]

Oh no Lucy! What dose have they started you on? What's your worst symptoms from them? I started on 20mg, one at night. Some people take in the morning if affects their sleep. I didn't feel too terrible on 20mg but it didn't help the pain. My side affects were dry mouth, excess sweating, felt numb, physically, mentally and emotionally and worsen headaches. I then went up to 40mg and then the nausea, wind and constipation kicked in! I went down to 30mg and didn't help and I just thought this is ridiculous as they weren't helping my pain. It's now 9 days since I stopped them. At the moment Duloxetine seems like no. 1 choice for fibro but as I understand it any side affects can take a couple of weeks to settle but depends if they are tolerable! I do like the NHS website for info nhs.uk/medicines/duloxetine...

Gentle hugs x

[Nellie24 in reply to Loobielu]

Hi they’ve started me on 30mg I suffer with insomnia too so I’m wondering if to take the tablet in the morning and see if that’s any different. I’ve got a dull head headache around the back of my head, I feel flat emotionless, no appetite, tired but wired at the same time it’s strange how I feel. I don’t want to carry on taking something if it’s not going to settle I have kids and a job to go to and feeling like this isn’t any good. Did you take these for fibromyalgia? I’ve come off amitriptyline to start these I didn’t have any side affects was on them for 15 years.

How have you been coming off them as I’ve read up it’s quite difficult hence why I don’t want to start something what’s going to cause more wasted days 🫤

Lucy x

[Loobielu in reply to Nellie24]

Hi Lucy, I've replied to this via private chat. I hope you're not feeling any worse today x

[Scoo1961]

Hi

I’m on duloxtine for IBS I cannot come off it as it help me eat ?

I’m not sure if the side affects ? Weight gain head shaking ?

If you come if any drugs you need help as there are in your system ?

I came of a drunk a while ago and it’s should be decrease at a very low rate so your body and brain. Get used to it ?

Good luck

All the best

😃

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

I’ve been on Duloxtene over 5 years now I think I did gain some weight at 1st but it’s worked so well for me with anxiety and feeling low I’ve stuck with it, I’ve read people can gain or lose weight with it . Do speak to your doc 1st , a lot of meds can put on weight especially if you’re on more than one at a time. Has it made any difference to how you are feeling ? It does seem to be trial and error before we get something that suits us for sure. I hope things get sorted for you ,sending hugs x

[Kelv1]

thank you all for the information today I've Started taking duloxtine as a pain blocker for my fibromyalgia, are there any other side effects to keep a eye on

[Hidden]

Sorry I’m late to this thread. I am in my first week of withdrawing from Duloxetine. Helpful supplements: Omega 3, B complex, calcium, magnesium.

I came down to 20 mg and after a few weeks at this dose stopped. In my opinion, it’s not useful to split the capsule and ‘count beads’. This approach contributes to gastric issues.

Gastric issues and weight gain have been my biggest problems in the 2 years I’ve been on this. Absolutely no increase in calories intake as I’ve been ill and appetite very poor - so I haven’t bought into the theory that it increases appetite.

After lots of research, I discover that it affects thyroid meds. I have no thyroid so am totally reliant on hormone replacement. Bingo.

Even if you don’t have thyroid meds, your thyroid may be affected. The greatest reason for weight gain with Duloxetine is alterations in metabolic rate. That’s why some people lose weight.

Stay informed, stay safe and ignore the BS.